Portable golf-putting improvement device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the present invention is a relatively thin, portable device for improving golf putting skills. The device comprises an alignment member and two securing members. The alignment member, which has an elongated and substantially linear shape such that the alignment member can be aligned with a desired trajectory of the golf ball, has indicia thereon for assuring alignment of a putt when the ball is set into motion. Further, the alignment member has indicia thereon to guide a user in making putts using the “straight back, straight through,” “inside, down the line,” and “inside, square, inside” putting methods. The securing members extend perpendicularly from one end of the alignment member in opposite directions such that the putting device is T-shaped. Each securing member has at least one aperture through which a golf tee may be inserted to secure the putting device to a putting surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 61/455,774, filed on Oct. 26, 2010 as attorney docket no. 1249-001, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the game of golf, and, more specifically but not exclusively, to training devices for improving golf-putting skills.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, the action of putting a golf ball can be characterized by three motions: the backswing, the downswing, and the follow through. The backswing begins with the head of the putter club positioned on or near the ground and behind the golf ball, and ends where the head of the putter reaches its furthest position behind the golf ball in the putting motion (i.e., the backward apex). The downswing begins where the head of the putter is at the furthest position behind the golf ball, and ends upon contact with the golf ball. The follow through begins upon contact with the golf ball, and ends where the head of the putter reaches its furthest position in front of the place where the golf ball was initially positioned (i.e., the forward apex).

Many golfing experts recognize three different methods for carrying out these three putting motions: the “straight back, straight through” method, the “inside, down the line” method, and the “inside, square, inside” method. In the “straight back, straight through” method, the club is brought in a straight backward line for the backswing and then brought straight forward for the downswing and follow through. This method is commonly recommended for relatively short putts (e.g., putts less than approximately four feet from the cup). The “inside, down the line” method combines a curved backswing and a curved downswing with a straight forward follow through. Preferably, the curved backswing and curved downswing follow an arc that corresponds to the natural twist of a golfer's torso. The “inside, square, inside” method uses a curved backswing, curved downswing, and a curved follow through. Preferably, all three of these motions follow an arc that corresponds to the natural twist of a golfer's torso. The “inside, down the line” method and the “inside, square, inside” method are commonly recommended for relatively long putts (e.g., putts greater than approximately four feet from the cup). It is believed that curved putting motions take better advantage of the natural torque of the human shoulders when putting over longer distances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a portable golf-putting device comprising an alignment member. The alignment member is a substantially linear and elongated surface suitable for aligning the golf-putting device with an intended trajectory of a golf ball on a putting surface. Further, the alignment member has one or more ball-placement indicia located thereon, each of the one or more ball-placement indicia indicating a starting location from which the golf ball is set into motion by a putter. Yet further, the alignment member has one or more putt-alignment indicia located thereon, the one or more putt-alignment indicia positioned to indicate deviation of the golf ball from the intended trajectory after the golf ball is set into motion by the putter.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for using a golf-putting device. The method comprises placing the golf-putting device on a putting surface such that an alignment member of the golf-putting device is aligned with an intended trajectory. The alignment member is a substantially linear and elongated surface suitable for aligning the golf-putting device with an intended trajectory of a golf ball on a putting surface. Further, the alignment member has one or more ball-placement indicia located thereon, each of the one or more ball-placement indicia indicating a starting location from which the golf ball is set into motion by a putter. Yet further, the alignment member has one or more putt-alignment indicia located thereon, the one or more putt-alignment indicia positioned to indicate deviation of the golf ball from the intended trajectory after the golf ball is set into motion by the putter. The method further comprises placing the golf ball on the one or more ball-placement indicia, and putting the golf ball from the one or more ball-placement indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of a portable putting device for improving golf-putting skills according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a section view A-A of the putting device of FIG. 1 secured on a putting surface;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for using the putting device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 4( a)-4(e) show portable putting devices according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of a portable putting device 100 for improving golf-putting skills according to one embodiment of the present invention. In general, putting device 100 is a relatively thin, T-shaped surface comprising an alignment member 104 and two securing members 102(1) and 102(2). Securing members 102(1) and 102(2) extend perpendicularly from one end of alignment member 104 and in opposite directions to form the “T” shape. Preferably, securing members 102(1) and 102(2) are fixedly attached to alignment member 104; however, securing members 102(1) and 102(2) may be separable from alignment member 104. Putting device 100 may be constructed using plastic, fiberglass, wood, metal, carpet, artificial turf, plexiglass, or any other material or combination of materials suitable for putting a golf ball.

Alignment member 104 is a substantially linear and elongated surface having one or more various indicia positioned thereon, wherein the one or more indicia serve as an aid for improving putting accuracy as described below. The substantially linear and elongated shape supports the alignment of portable device 100 with a golf cup when portable device 100 is placed on a putting surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, alignment member 104 is one and five eighths inches (1⅝″) wide and three feet (3′) long. However, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the width may be less than or greater than one and five eighths inches and the length may be less than or greater than three feet. Preferably, alignment member 104 has a width that is at least as wide as a diameter of a golf ball, and a length that is substantially greater than the width such that alignment member 104 retains its substantially linear and elongated shape.

Alignment member 104 has ball-placement indicia 116, which indicate the location where a golf ball is placed for setting the golf ball into motion by a putter. Ball-placement indicia 116 may include one or more of: an aperture that passes partially or entirely through alignment member 104, an indentation such as a dimple, a marking, or a combination of an aperture or indentation and a marking. In the event that ball-placement indicia 116 includes a marking, the marking may be, for example, painted onto alignment member 104, marked using tape, constructed by alternating the colors of the materials of alignment member 104, or may be delineated by two or more of these techniques. Preferably, ball-placement indicia 116 do not interfere with the trajectory of the golf ball when the golf ball is set into motion by a putter.

In addition to ball-placement indicia 116, alignment member 104 has indicia that serve as guides for improving putting accuracy. These indicia include straight line 110 and curved line 112, which may be painted onto alignment member 104, marked using tape, constructed by alternating the colors of the materials of alignment member 104, or delineated using any other suitable technique or combination of techniques. The straight line, which extends down the middle of alignment member 104 and parallel to the long sides of alignment member 104, is divided into two parts: putt-alignment indicium 110(1) and straight-backswing indicium 110(2). Putt-alignment indicium 110(1), which serves as a visual guide to indicate whether or not a golf ball deviates from a straight line when the golf ball is sent into motion by the putter, extends from ball-placement indicia 116 to one end of alignment member 104, between securing members 102(1) and 102(2). When a putt is taken, the golfer can check to see whether the golf ball deviates from putt-alignment indicium 110(1), and the golfer can then make changes to his or her stroke accordingly. Preferably, putt-alignment indicium 110(1) is sufficiently thin such that any slight deviation in a putt results in the golf ball coming out of contact with putt-alignment indicium 110(1). Putt-alignment indicium 110(1) may also serve as a guide to indicate whether or not the follow-through motion of the putter deviates from a straight line.

Straight-backswing indicium 110(2), which serves as a guide for the head of the putter to follow during the backswing and downswing motions of the “straight back, straight through” putting method, extends from ball-placement indicia 116, in the opposite direction of putt-alignment indicium 110(1), toward the end of alignment member 104 that is away from securing members 102(1) and 102(2). Prior to the golfer's backswing, the golfer may use line 110 to center the head of the putter on the golf ball. Then, during the golfer's backswing, straight-backswing indicium 110(2) appears in the golfer's field of vision and provides a reference for gauging whether or not the putter deviates from a straight line. This guide can be aided by the addition of a visible mark on the middle of the head of the putter. When the visible mark on the putter stays in alignment with straight-backswing indicium 110(2), the golfer knows that his or her backswing is straight.

Similar to straight line 110, curved line 112 is divided into two parts: inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) and inside-backswing indicium 112(2). Inside-backswing indicium 112(2) serves as a guide for the head of the putter to follow during the backswing and downswing motions of the “inside, down the line” and “inside, square, inside” putting methods. Inside-backswing indicium 112(2) extends in an arc from ball-placement indicia 116, away from securing members 102(1) and 102(2), toward one side of alignment member 104. Prior to the golfer's backswing, the golfer may use line 112 to center the head of the putter on the golf ball. Then, during the golfer's backswing and downswing, inside-backswing indicium 112(2) appears in the golfer's field of vision and provides a reference for gauging whether or not the putter travels along the preferred arc of inside-backswing indicium 112(2).

Inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) serves as a guide for the head of the putter to follow during the follow-through motion of the “inside, square, inside” putting method. Inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) extends from ball-placement indicia 116 to a corner of securing member 102(1). During the golfer's follow through, inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) appears in the golfer's field of vision and provides a reference for gauging whether or not the putter travels along the preferred arc of inside-follow-through indicium 112(1).

Note that curved line 112 is implemented for a right-handed golfer, who would address the ball from the left-hand side of putting device 100 and would face alignment member 104. According to some alternative embodiments, the present invention may be implemented for left-handed golfers only, and according to other alternative embodiments, the present invention may be implemented for both right- and left-handed golfers as described below.

By having straight line 110 and curved line 112, putting device 100 provides guidance for a user to apply all three of the above-mentioned putting methods. Note that, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, one or more of straight-backswing indicium 110(2), inside-backswing indicium 112(2), and inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) may be omitted. For example, some embodiments might omit inside-backswing indicium 112(2) and inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) to focus solely on the “straight back, straight through” putting method. In other embodiments, inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) may be omitted to focus on the “straight back, straight through” and “inside, down the line” putting methods. In yet other embodiments, straight-backswing indicium 110(2), inside-backswing indicium 112(2), and inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) may be omitted to focus solely on making straight putts that do not deviate from putt-alignment indicium 112(1). In yet still other embodiments, each of putt-alignment indicium 110(1), straight-backswing indicium 110(2), inside-backswing indicium 112(2), and inside-follow-through indicium 112(1) may be implemented using indicium (or indicia) other than lines, including a series of aligned markings such as dots or crosshairs, or even a single marking spaced apart from ball-placement indicia 116.

To further guide the head of the putter in the three motions of the putting stroke, alignment member 104 has head-positioning indicia 114(1) through 114(5) that span the width of alignment member 104. Like straight line 110 and curved line 112, head-positioning indicia 114(1) through 114(5) may be painted onto alignment member 104, marked using tape, constructed by alternating the colors of the materials of alignment member 104, or delineated using any other suitable technique or combination of techniques.

Head-positioning indicium 114(3) is located adjacent to ball-placement indicia 116 and is perpendicular to the long sides of alignment member 104. Head-positioning indicium 114(3), which serves as a visual guide to assure that the head of the putter is perpendicular to the ball's intended trajectory as the golfer addresses the golf ball, may be used with all three of the above-mentioned putting methods. Head-positioning indicia 114(4) and 114(5) are substantially perpendicular to curved line 112 and are located between ball-placement indicia 116 and the end of alignment member 104 that is furthest from securing members 102(1) and 102(2). Head-positioning indicia 114(4) and 114(5) serve as guides for positioning of the head of the putter during the backswing and downswing motions of the “inside, down the line” and “inside, square, inside” putting methods. In particular, during the backswing motion, as the user brings the head of the putter back along inside-backswing indicium 112(2), the face of the putter head should (in an ideal stroke) lie parallel to (i) head-positioning indicium 114(4) as the putter head crosses head-positioning indicium 114(4) and (ii) head-positioning indicium 114(5) as the putter head crosses head-positioning indicium 114(5). Similarly, during the downswing motion, the face of the putter head should (in an ideal stroke) lie parallel to (i) head-positioning indicium 114(4) as the putter head crosses head-positioning indicium 114(4) and (ii) head-positioning indicium 114(5) as the putter head crosses head-positioning indicium 114(5).

Head-positioning indicia 114(1) and 114(2) are also substantially perpendicular to curved line 112, and are located between ball-placement indicia 116 and the end of alignment member 104 that is closest to securing members 102(1) and 102(2). Head-positioning indicia 114(1) and 114(2) serve as guides for positioning of the head of the putter during the follow-through motion of the “inside, square, inside” putting method. In particular, during the follow-through motion, as the user brings the head of the putter forward along inside-follow-through indicium 112(1), the face of the putter head should (in an ideal stroke) lie parallel to (i) head-positioning indicium 114(1) as the putter head crosses head-positioning indicium 114(1) and (ii) head-positioning indicium 114(2) as the putter head crosses head-positioning indicium 114(2).

When or if the face of the putter head does not lie parallel to the corresponding one or more head-positioning indicia during a stroke, the user is visually notified of this fact during the stroke and can make the necessary adjustments. With proper practice and reinforcement, the user learns to keep the putter head properly aligned during a curved stroke even without using the device. Note that, although five head-positioning indicia are shown, the present invention is not so limited. According to alternative embodiments, putting devices of the present invention may have less than or greater than five head-positioning indicia, including no head-positioning indicia at all. Further, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, similar head-positioning indicia may be located on straight line 110 to serve as guides for positioning of the head of the putter during the backswing, downswing, and follow-through motions of the “straight back, straight through” putting method.

To guide the golfer in selecting the appropriate amount of backstroke, alignment member 104 has backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3). Similar to ball-placement indicia 116, each of backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3) may be an aperture that passes partially or entirely through alignment member 104, an indentation such as a dimple, a marking, or a combination of an aperture or indentation and a marking. In the event that one or more of the backswing apex indicia is a marking, the marking may be, for example, painted onto alignment member 104, marked using tape, constructed by alternating the colors of the materials of alignment member 104, or may be delineated by two or more of these techniques.

In a preferred embodiment, backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3) are equally spaced with four inches between one another, and backswing apex indicium 118(1) is eight inches from ball-placement indicia 116. In other embodiments these distances may be adjusted, for example, to suit the player and golfing circumstances (e.g., terrain, hole pitch and slant, putting surface or obstructions, etc.). In embodiments in which backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3) are implemented as apertures, a tee may be placed through the aperture to guide the golfer in adjusting the magnitude of the golf club's backswing prior to a putt. In such embodiments, the tee provides a readily visible target within his or her field of vision while preparing for a putt. Further, the tee may also serve as a guide that impedes the club head during the backswing when the tee protrudes sufficiently far above the top surface of alignment member 104.

In a preferred embodiment, backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3) are spaced in such a manner as to provide a measured amount of backswing (i) for putts of 10 feet and under, (ii) for between 10 feet and 20 feet, and (iii) for 20 feet and over, respectively. The locations of backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3) can be adjusted in alternative embodiments of the present invention to provide measured amounts of backswing for other specified putt distances. In fact, the locations of backswing apex indicia 118(1) through 118(3) can even be tailored to fit the specific needs of an individual golfer or categories of golfers (e.g., juniors, seniors, extra tall, lady golfers, etc.) in specialized made-to-order embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distance between backswing apex indicium 118(2), herein referred to as the “pace of stroke indicium,” and ball-placement indicia 116 is equal to the distance between ball-placement indicia 116 and the end of alignment member 104 closest to securing members 102(1) and 102(2). Preferably, the distance between pace of stroke indicium 118(2) and ball-placement indicia 116 is twelve inches. Many in the golfing industry believe that the length of a perfect backswing motion matches the length of the follow-through motion. Because these distances are equal, the user has a visual guide, when using pace of stroke indicium 118(2), to perfect a “matching” stroke, i.e., one whereby the length of the backswing motion equals the length of the follow-through motion. In some embodiments (not shown) the pace of stroke hole is specially identified, by, e.g., a colored band encircling the hole, so that its presence and special status is clearly indicated to the user upon first glance.

Alignment member 104 is secured to a putting surface using securing members 102(1) and 102(2). Securing members 102(1) and 102(2) are rectangular-shaped surfaces that protrude substantially perpendicularly from one end of alignment member 104, albeit in opposite directions, thereby forming the “T” shape of putting device 100. Securing member 102(1) has inner securing aperture 108(1) and outer securing aperture 106(1), each of which passes entirely through alignment member 104 and is adapted to receive a golf tee. Similarly, securing member 102(2) has inner securing aperture 108(2) and outer securing aperture 106(2). Inner securing apertures 108(1) and 108(2) are spaced equally apart from straight line 110, and securing apertures 106(1) and 106(2) are spaced equally apart from straight line 110. Thus, securing member 102(2) is a minor image of securing member 102(1). As described below, in this embodiment, putting device 100 is secured to a putting surface by passing a golf tee through one or more of securing apertures 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), and 108(2).

FIG. 2 shows a section view A-A of putting device 100 secured on a putting surface such as a putting green. As shown in FIG. 2, bottom surface 122 of putting device 100 is placed flat on putting surface 208. Putting device 100 is a relatively thin planar surface. Preferably, putting device 100 is thin enough that the trajectory of a golf ball is not disturbed, or is minimally disturbed, when the golf ball is putted off of putting device 100 onto putting surface 208. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, putting device 100 is ⅛ inch thick.

In this figure, putting device 100 is secured to putting surface 208 by passing body 206 of golf tee 202 through inner securing aperture 108(1) into putting surface 208. Golf tee 202 may be passed through putting device 100 until is sandwiched between head 204 of golf tee 202 and putting surface 208. Alternatively, golf tee 202 may be passed through putting device 100 such that head 204 is spaced apart from upper surface 120 of putting device 100 as shown in FIG. 2.

In addition to being used to secure putting device 100 to putting surface 208, securing apertures 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), and 108(2) may also be used to create gates, through which the golf ball should preferably pass when the user putts that ball. By installing golf tees in apertures 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), and 108(2), the golf tees restrict movement of a golf ball set into motion when the ball deviates from putt-alignment indicia 110. Preferably, at any given time, golf tees are placed in the pair of inner securing apertures 108(1) and 108(2) or the pair of outer securing apertures 106(1) and 106(2), but not both pairs. When golf tees are placed in inner securing apertures 108(1) and 108(2), the golf tees operate as a narrow gate, providing lesser latitude for the ball to deviate from putt-alignment indicia 110. When golf tees are placed in outer securing apertures 106(1) and 106(2), the golf tees operate as a wider gate, providing greater latitude for the ball to deviate from putt-alignment indicia 110. Inner securing apertures 108(1) and 108(2) may be used for more skilled golfers and securing apertures 106(1) and 106(2) may be used by less skilled golfers.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for using putting device 100 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, putting device 100 is aligned with the intended trajectory of the putt (step 302). Alignment is performed by placing bottom surface 122 of putting device 100 flat on the putting surface (e.g., the putting green) at the position where the golf ball is to be set into motion, and rotating putting device 100 until alignment member 104 aligns with the intended trajectory. Often, the intended trajectory corresponds to an imaginary straight line drawn between putting device 100 and the golf cup. However, for putts made on putting surfaces that are not flat, the trajectory might not correspond to a straight line to the cup. In aligning putting device 100, the end of device 100 having securing members 102(1) and 102(2) should preferably be closest to the cup (especially if a pair of securing apertures 106(1) and 106(2) or 108(1) and 108(2) are to be used as a gate).

Once putting device 100 is aligned with the intended trajectory, putting device 100 is secured to the putting surface (step 304) by passing a golf tee through each of one or more of securing apertures 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), and 108(2). Note that only one golf tee is needed to secure putting device 100 to the putting surface; however, placing a tee through at least two of securing apertures 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), and 108(2) helps prevent putting device 100 from rotating out of alignment with the intended trajectory.

After securing putting device 100 to the putting surface, the user places the ball on ball-placement indicia 116 (step 306) and selects one of the three above-mentioned methods for putting. Suppose the user selects the “straight back, straight through” method (step 308). In this case, the user aligns the face of the putter with head-positioning indicium 114(3) behind the golf ball (step 310). The user brings back the putter back such that the head of the putter follows a straight path along straight-backswing indicium 110(2) (step 312). The backswing may be stopped when the head of the putter is adjacent to one of backswing apex indicia 118(1), 118(2), and 118(3). The particular backswing apex indicium (indicia) used may be determined based on the length of the putt. For instance, backswing apex indicium 118(1) may be selected for shorter putts, backswing apex indicium 118(3) may be selected for longer putts, and backswing apex indicium 118(2) may be selected for intermediate length putts.

Upon completion of the backswing, the user brings the putter forward striking the golf ball such that the head of the putter follows a straight path along straight-backswing indicium 110(2) (step 312). After striking the ball, the user continues the putter's forward motion such that the putter follows a straight path along putt-alignment indicium 110(1) (step 314). If the user is performing a matching stroke using pace of stroke indicium 118(2), then the user stops the follow-through when the putter head is adjacent to the end of alignment member 104 that is closest to securing members 102(1) and 102(2).

Suppose now that the user selects the “inside, down the line” putting method (step 316). In such a case, the user aligns the face of the putter with head-positioning indicium 114(3) behind the golf ball (step 318). The user brings back the putter back such that the head of the putter follows a curved path along inside-backswing indicium 112(2) (step 320). Just as in step 312 discussed above, the backswing may be stopped when the head of the putter is adjacent to one of backswing apex indicia 118(1) and 118(2). Upon completion of the backswing, the user brings the putter forward striking the golf ball such that the head of the putter follows the curved path along inside-backswing indicium 112(2) (step 320). Note that, during the backswing and downswing, the user may see whether or not the putter head is aligned with head-positioning indicia 114(4) and 114(5) as the putter head crosses these positions. After striking the ball, the user continues the putter's forward motion such that the putter follows a straight path along putt-alignment indicium 110(1) (step 322).

Suppose now that the user selects the “inside, square, inside” putting method (step 324). In such a case, the user aligns the face of the putter with head-positioning indicium 114(3) behind the golf ball (step 326), and performs the backswing and downswing (step 328) in the manner described above in relation to step 320. After striking the ball, the user continues the putter's forward motion such that the putter follows a curved path along inside follow-through indicium 112(1) (step 330). Note that, during the follow through, the user may see whether or not the putter head is aligned with head-positioning indicia 114(1) and 114(2) as the putter head crosses these positions.

After the putting motion is complete, the user determines whether or not to repeat the putt attempt (step 332). The user may wish to take another attempt, whether or not the previous putt was made, as practice for improving the user's putting skills Alternatively, the user may wish to take another attempt only if the user missed the previous putt. If the user decides to repeat the putt, then the user may make adjustments from the previous putt to improve the user's putting motion.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described as being T-shaped and having two securing members, the present invention is not so limited. The present invention may be implemented having one or greater securing members and may form shapes other than a T-shape. Further, the present invention may be implemented having securing members that are not flat.

FIGS. 4( a)-4(e) show portable putting devices according to alternative embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4( a) shows an overhead view of a portable putting device that has an arrow shape. The arrow shape may aid in the alignment of the putting device with the desired trajectory. FIG. 4( b) shows an overhead view of a portable putting device that has only one securing member. In this embodiment, the securing member extends perpendicularly from one end of the alignment member, such that the portable putting device has an L-shape.

FIG. 4( c) shows an overhead view of a portable putting device that has four securing members. In this embodiment, two securing members extend perpendicularly from each end of the alignment member, in opposite directions, such that the portable putting device has an I-shape. Note that, in this embodiment, the indicia on the top surface of the putting device may be symmetric about the ball-placement indicia, such that the device may be used for both left-handed and right-handed golfers. In such a case, a right-handed golfer may stand on the left side of the device and putt toward one pair of securing members, and a left-handed golfer may stand on the left side of the device and toward the other pair of securing members.

FIG. 4( d) shows an overhead view of a portable putting device that has two securing members, which are not located at the end of the aligning member. Rather, the securing members extend perpendicularly from the middle of the aligning member in opposite directions such that the putting device is in the shape of a plus or a cross. In this embodiment, golf tees may be passed through the securing apertures of the two securing members to secure the putting device to the putting surface. These golf tees may also function as a gate through which the head of the putter must pass. This may help ensure that the putter head is properly aligned with the golf ball as the ball is struck. In the event that the putter head makes contact with one of the tees during a putt attempt, the golfer is notified that his or her putting motion must be corrected.

FIG. 4( e) shows an isometric view of a portable putting device that has two securing members that are not flat. As shown, the two securing members are raised above the upper surface of the putting device. By raising the height of the securing members, the securing members themselves may serve as gates through which the golf ball must pass.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 was described as having backswing apex indicia 118(1), 118(2), and 118(3), the present invention is not so limited. Portable putting devices of the present invention may implemented with fewer than or greater than three backswing apex indicia, including no backswing apex indicia. Further, the backswing apex indicia may be spaced apart by distances other than those discussed above.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 was shown for a right-handed golfer, inasmuch as the curved guideline is curved in the manner appropriate for someone who is putting while standing to the left-side of the device, the present invention is not so limited. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may be implemented for left-handed golfers, e.g., by constructing a device that is the mirror image of putting device 100 in FIG. 1. The curved guideline would then be curved in the manner appropriate for a left-handed golfer. Further, alternative embodiments of the present invention may be implemented for both right-handed and left-handed golfers. For example, putting device 100 could be constructed to be reversible by using clear plastic having the various indicia marked such that they are visible from either side of the device. To adjust from a right-handed player to a left-handed player (or vice versa), the device would simply be flipped over. As another example, the various indicia, such as lines 110 and 112 and head-positioning indicia may be implemented in a symmetrical manner about ball-placement indicia 116, such that a right-handed golfer would stand on the left side of the device and putt toward securing members 102(1) and 102(2), and a left-handed golfer would stand on the left side of the device and putt away from securing members 102(1) and 102(2).

Although one method of using the present invention was described in which securing members 102(1) and 102(2) were positioned closest to the golf cup, such that the golf ball is putted between securing members 102(1) and 102(2), the present invention is not so limited. Various embodiments of the present invention may be envisioned in which securing members 102(1) and 102(2) are positioned away from the golf cup, such that the golf ball is not putted between securing members 102(1) and 102(2). In such embodiments, the various indicia on alignment member 104 may be reversed.

Although embodiments of the present invention were described as being secured to a putting surface using golf tees, the present invention is not so limited. According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, putting devices of the present invention may be secured using suitable attachment devices other than golf tees, such as pencils. Further, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, a device may have spikes that are fixedly or removably attached to the bottom surface of the device, and the device may be secured by pressing the device, and consequently the spikes, into the putting surface. In such embodiments, the spikes could be attached to the bottom surface of the alignment member, and as a result, the device could be implemented without securing members.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the value of the value or range.

It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

The use of figure numbers and/or figure reference labels in the claims is intended to identify one or more possible embodiments of the claimed subject matter in order to facilitate the interpretation of the claims. Such use is not to be construed as necessarily limiting the scope of those claims to the embodiments shown in the corresponding figures.

It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.

Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

The embodiments covered by the claims in this application are limited to embodiments that (1) are enabled by this specification and (2) correspond to statutory subject matter. Non-enabled embodiments and embodiments that correspond to non-statutory subject matter are explicitly disclaimed even if they fall within the scope of the claims. 

1. A portable golf-putting device comprising an alignment member (e.g., 104), wherein: the alignment member is a substantially linear and elongated surface suitable for aligning the golf-putting device with an intended trajectory of a golf ball on a putting surface; the alignment member has one or more ball-placement indicia (e.g., 116) located thereon, each of the one or more ball-placement indicia indicating a starting location from which the golf ball is set into motion by a putter; and the alignment member has one or more putt-alignment indicia (e.g., 110(1)) located thereon, the one or more putt-alignment indicia positioned to indicate deviation of the golf ball from the intended trajectory after the golf ball is set into motion by the putter.
 2. The golf-putting device of claim 1, further comprising at least one securing member (e.g., 102(1), 102(2)) attached to the alignment member, wherein the at least one securing member is adapted to secure the golf-putting device to the putting surface.
 3. The golf-putting device of claim 2, wherein the at least one securing member has at least one aperture formed therein (e.g., 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), 108(2)), wherein the at least one aperture is adapted to receive a golf tee to secure the golf-putting device to the putting surface.
 4. The golf-putting device of claim 2, wherein: the at least one securing member comprises at least a first securing member and a second securing member attached to a side of the alignment member opposite the first securing member; the first securing member has a first aperture formed therein, wherein the first aperture is adapted to receive a golf tee to secure the alignment member to the putting surface; the second securing member has a second aperture formed therein, wherein the second aperture is adapted to receive a golf tee to secure the alignment member to the putting surface; and the first aperture is spaced apart from the second aperture such that, when golf tees are inserted through the first and second apertures, the golf tees create a gate through which one or more of a golf ball and a putter head may pass through.
 5. The golf-putting device of claim 2, wherein: the at least one securing member comprises two securing members; and the two securing members extend perpendicularly from one end of the alignment member in opposite directions such that the golf-putting device is T-shaped.
 6. The golf-putting device of claim 1, wherein the one or more putt-alignment indicia is a straight line.
 7. The golf-putting device of claim 1, further comprising one or more putter-swing indicia (e.g., 110, 112), wherein each of the one or more putter-swing indicia is positioned to indicate deviation of a putter head during a putt attempt from an indicated trajectory of the putter head.
 8. The golf-putting device of claim 7, wherein the one or more putter-swing indicia comprises one or more straight-backswing indicia (e.g., 110(2)) positioned to indicate deviation of the putter head from a straight-back trajectory during a backswing motion of a putt attempt.
 9. The golf-putting device of claim 7, wherein the one or more putter-swing indicia comprises one or more inside-backswing indicia (e.g., 112(2)) positioned to indicate deviation of the putter head from an indicated curved trajectory during a backswing motion of a putt attempt.
 10. The golf-putting device of claim 7, wherein the one or more putter-swing indicia comprises one or more inside-follow-through indicia (e.g., 112(1)) positioned to indicate deviation of the putter head from an indicated curved trajectory during a follow-through motion of a putt attempt.
 11. The golf-putting device of claim 1, further comprising one or more putter head-positioning indicia (e.g., 114(1)-114(5)), wherein each of the one or more putter head-positioning indicia is positioned to indicate deviation of a face of a putter from an indicated orientation during a putt attempt.
 12. The golf-putting device of claim 1, further comprising one or more backswing apex indicia (e.g., 118(1)-118(3)), wherein each of the one or more backswing apex indicia is positioned to indicate a stopping position of a putter during a backswing motion of a putt attempt.
 13. The golf-putting device of claim 1, wherein the one or more ball-placement indicia is formed by an aperture in the alignment member.
 14. The golf-putting device of claim 1, wherein the golf-putting device further comprises: a first securing member having a first aperture formed therein, wherein the first aperture is adapted to receive a golf tee to secure the alignment member to the putting surface; a second securing member having a second aperture formed therein, wherein: the second aperture is adapted to receive a golf tee to secure the alignment member to the putting surface; and the first aperture is spaced apart from the second aperture such that, when golf tees are inserted through the first and second apertures, the golf tees create a gate through which one or more of a golf ball and a putter head may pass through; one or more putter-swing indicia, wherein each of the one or more putter-swing indicia is positioned to indicate deviation of the putter head during a putt attempt from an indicated trajectory; one or more putter head-positioning indicia, wherein each of the one or more putter head-positioning indicia is positioned to indicate deviation of a face of the putter during a putting attempt from an indicated orientation; and one or more backswing apex indicia, wherein each of the one or more backswing apex indicia is positioned to indicate a stopping position of the putter during a backswing motion of a putt attempt.
 15. A method for using a golf-putting device, the method comprising: (a) placing the golf-putting device on a putting surface such that an alignment member of the golf-putting device is aligned with an intended trajectory, wherein: the alignment member is a substantially linear and elongated surface suitable for aligning the golf-putting device with an intended trajectory of a golf ball on a putting surface; the alignment member has one or more ball-placement indicia (e.g., 116) located thereon, each of the one or more ball-placement indicia indicating a starting location from which the golf ball is set into motion by a putter; and the alignment member has one or more putt-alignment indicia (e.g., 110(1)) located thereon, the one or more putt-alignment indicia positioned to indicate deviation of the golf ball from the intended trajectory after the golf ball is set into motion by the putter; and (b) placing the golf ball on the one or more ball-placement indicia; and (c) putting the golf ball from the one or more ball-placement indicia.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the golf-putting device further comprises at least one securing member (e.g., 102(1), 102(2)) attached to the alignment member, wherein: the at least one securing member is adapted to secure the golf-putting device to the putting surface; and the at least one securing member has at least one aperture formed therein (e.g., 106(1), 106(2), 108(1), 108(2)), wherein the at least one aperture is adapted to receive a golf tee to secure the golf-putting device to the putting surface; and step (a) further comprises securing the golf-putting device to the putting surface by passing a golf tee through the at least one aperture and into the putting surface. 